Poly-drug addiction, the simultaneous abuse of more than one drug, is a dangerous and popular activity. The mixing of drugs can have deadly effects. Interaction between drugs can be deadlier than accidental overdose on a single drug. Certain drugs potentiate the effects of other drugs. With pontentiation, overdose or adverse reactions occur at a fraction of the dose it would require with a single drug. Generally, the most dangerous drugs to mix are depressants. Heroin and Xanax is one deadly combination. Mixing the two can cause the user to slip into unconsciousness and very possibly die. Alcohol and Xanax causes the same effect. However, with Xanax and alcohol people black out for a period time without any recollection of events during the blackout. Some commit violent acts with no recall. GHB and Xanax will cause unconsciousness, convulsions, and death. Oxycontin classified as an opiate, it is similar to heroin. Mixing depressants decreases respiratory function leading to death.

Stimulants cause a spike in blood pressure leading to heart attacks and strokes. Methamphetamine and cocaine are stimulants, mixed with heroin, and injected these cause a roller coaster effect. Along with the respiratory depression caused by the heroin, a spike in blood pressure occurs. The body gets confused. This confusion leads the body to attempt to compensate for the mixed signals. If the body cannot compensate it shuts down. Alcohol and stimulants lead to cardiac problems. The use of stimulants produces abnormal heart rhythms. Alcohol also leads to heart problems. Repeated use of them together leads to fatal heart disease.

Withdrawal from multiple drugs poses its own dangers. Alcohol and heroin withdrawals can be fatal. Convulsions and death are common withdrawal symptoms. The stress on the body of dual withdrawals is twice as dangerous. A withdrawal from multiple drugs is safer when monitored by a health professional.

Poly-drug abuse provides double the high but it also presents the user with double the dangers. If you or someone you know is abusing drugs, be proactive. Offer support or tough love, whatever it takes, because most addictions do not resolve themselves.